he
Convention is apparent and manifest.

For instance, in Iran the fire of revolution blazed in such wise that all
communities, government and nations, became afflicted with the most severe
trials; but the power of the Covenant protected the Baha'i friends to such
a degree that in this turbulent storm no dust fell upon them, except in
one locality, which became the cause of the spreading of the Religion of
God and the diffusion of the Word of God. Now all the parties in Iran are
wondering how the people of Baha were guarded and protected. Praise be to
God that in Tihran and all the provinces of Iran the Call of God has been
raised, the Ensign of the Covenant has been unfurled, the cry of
"Ya-Baha'u'l-Abha!" has been heard and the melody of the Kingdom of Abha
has been promulgated among the people of intelligence....

Thou hast written concerning the organization of a council for the
building of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar. This news brought much spirit and
fragrance, for the nine delegates, sent by the various assemblies,
gathered in that meeting and consulted concerning the building of the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar.

The Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar is the most important matter and the greatest
divine institute. Consider how the first institute of His Holiness Moses,
after His exodus from Egypt, was the "Tent of Martyrdom" which He raised
and which was the traveling Temple. It was a tent which they pitched in
the desert, wherever they abode, and worshipped in it. Likewise, after His
Holiness Christ--may the spirit of the world be a sacrifice to Him!--the
first institute by the disciples was a Temple. They planned a church in
every country. Consider the Gospel and the importance of the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar will become evident.

In fine, I hope that all the beloved of God, collectively, in the
continent of America, men and women, will strive night and day until the
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar be erected in the utmost solidity and beauty.

THE COLLECTIVE CENTER OF THE KINGDOM

TO THE ASSEMBLIES AND MEETINGS OF THE BELIEVERS OF GOD AND THE
MAID-SERVANTS OF THE MERCIFUL IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA: Upon them
be Baha'u'llah El-Abha!

HE IS GOD!

O ye heavenly souls, sons and daughters of the Kingdom!

God says in the Qur'an: "Take ye hold of the Cord of God, all of you, and
become ye not disunited."

In the contingent world there are many collective centers which are
conducive to association and unity between the child